Using Systematic Desensitization to Create a Mindfulness Activity for Nursing Students With Test Anxiety.
1About the Author Allison Collins, EdD, RN, CNE, is a member of the nursing faculty at Grayson College, Denison, Texas. This research was conducted for the author's research for her dissertation at The University of Alabama. Contact Dr. Collins at collinsa@grayson.edu.
Nursing Education Perspectives
|August 19, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness interventions significantly reduced test anxiety in nursing students. A study found that listening to mindfulness podcasts with muscle relaxation decreased anxiety scores more than a control group.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Psychological Interventions
- Student Well-being
Background:
- Undergraduate nursing students frequently experience high levels of test anxiety.
- This anxiety can negatively impact academic performance and overall learning.
- Effective interventions are needed to support nursing students' mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention utilizing systematic desensitization.
- To assess the impact of this intervention on test anxiety among community college nursing students.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 107 undergraduate nursing students.
- Participants were assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.
- The intervention group engaged in listening to a mindfulness podcast combined with muscle relaxation techniques.
Main Results:
- The intervention group demonstrated significantly lower post-intervention test anxiety scores compared to the control group (p <.001).
- This indicates a strong positive effect of the mindfulness intervention.
- Systematic desensitization, as part of the intervention, proved effective.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness interventions, specifically systematic desensitization, are effective in reducing test anxiety in nursing students.
- This approach offers a practical strategy for educational institutions to support student mental health.
- Further research can explore long-term effects and broader applications.
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